Great Blue Heron
Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River is located approximately 90 miles northwest of Tampa near the Gulf of Mexico. Manatees abound in the year round 72-degree spring fed waters in Crystal River from the months of November through March. Read more about Crystal River, Florida

The Great Blue Heron is the largest and most widespread heron in North America. It can be identified by its long, thick bill, white crown stripe, black plume extending from behind its eye to off the back of its neck, shaggy feathers on its neck and back, and bluish gray back, wings and belly.

The Great Blue Heron can be found along the ocean shore or the edges of small inland ponds. An all white form is found from southern Florida into the Caribbean, and used to be considered a separate species, the "Great White Heron." Read more about the Great Blue Heron